2010 In Review

I was looking through some of my old posts and came across a post a did last year called "2009 In Review." It was cool for me to look back and be reminded of everything I did last year, so I thought I'd do it for this year, too. If not for you, then for me, and just reflecting over the past year of my life. It's been a crazy one... So here I go.

January: I graduated from college at the end of last year so I began looking for a "real job" at the beginning of 2010. While trying to track down this "real job" I became the queen of odd jobs. The list of jobs included: Spanish teacher, dog sitter, house sitter, baby sitter, test proctor, and more but I can't think of them now.

January-...: Of course, a big odd job was baking. Here are two of my favorite creations of 2010.

February: I was hired part-time (so you can't really call it a "real job") as the "arts ministry assistant" at my church. Basically I got to be creative and organized for Jesus (like redecorate our "green room"). Pretty cool job, eh?

May: I went to Charleston, South Carolina to see my best friend graduate from Navy Power School. It was pretty amazing... I also got to see lots of beautiful, old homes and buildings. It was a great trip!

June: I took a vacation with my mom's side of the family to Silverthorn, Colorado. It was beautiful and such a great time with the family!

July: As a side job, I co-managed the fireworks stand fundraiser that my church puts on every year. I learned a lot about leadership, ministry, and Black Cats in a matter of two weeks.

July: I went to Portland, Oregon with my friends Rob and Corrie and their kids. They're Portland natives so I loved traveling with them and seeing all of the beautiful sights inside and out of the city. I also had my very first concert with a band that I'm in. Good times...

July: From Portland I flew straight to Odessa, Texas to go to my aunts' house for a girl's weekend with my mom, aunts and cousins. We had a great weekend of eating, swimming, and relaxation.

August-October: This was a blurry time where I was trying to figure out what to do with my life because I heard news that the church wasn't going to be able to offer me a full-time job like I'd hoped or even keep me on part-time. The search for a "real job" continued...

September: I was offered a job at JP Morgan as a "retirement education specialist." I knew nothing about finance (which is what the job required)... only that I needed money to survive so I was going to take the job. I was offered the job a month before I actually was going to start. September 14 to October 18 was probably the longest month of my life. I suck at transitions. We'll just leave it at that.

October: I sadly quit my job at the church. I had a week in between my two jobs so I decided to travel a bit. My mom and I went and visited my cousins Dana and Marc in Sublette, KS. I can't think of a better way I could have spent that week. It was truly a blessing...

October: As soon as I got home from Sublette, I packed my bags and was on a flight to visit my friend Valeria is Dallas, Texas. What a great weekend I had touring Dallas and hanging out with V. (I also got to see my friend Kate one day for lunch.)

October: I finally started my job at JP Morgan. I successfully passed my tests and obtained my Series 6 and 63 licenses (if that means nothing to you, don't worry... about 2 months ago, that's where I was, too.) Basically, I answer questions and "carry out transactions" for peoples' 401(k)s. I wear "business casual" clothes (although they are getting closer to casual and further away from business with each lazy day...), I work in a cubicle, and I have a name tag that looks like this. I'm legit.

December: After 9 weeks of tests and training, I FINALLY started my official position. That was last Tuesday. So that pretty much brings you up to date.

And that was my year. If you made it this far, I'm impressed. Thanks for reading. And thanks for being a part of my life this past year! Now let's see what 2011 has in store...